Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 32-42 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 32 Research Report Open Access Rice Varietal Resistance to Insect Pests: Genetic Mechanisms and Breeding Approaches JiaChen Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: jiachen@hitar.org Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0005 Received: 26 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 06 Feb., 2024 Published: 26 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen J., 2024, Rice varietal resistance to insect pests: genetic mechanisms and breeding approaches, Molecular Entomology, 15(1): 32-42 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0005) Abstract This study aims to explore the genetic mechanisms and breeding strategies employed to enhance rice varietal resistance to insect pests. The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current advancements in genetic traits, resistance mechanisms, and breeding techniques that contribute to the development of insect-resistant rice varieties. Significant progress has been made in identifying and mapping resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with insect resistance in rice. For instance, the identification of novel resistance genes such as Bph from wild rice species and BPH from cultivated varieties has provided new avenues for breeding. Advanced molecular approaches, including marker-assisted selection and RNA interference technology, have been successfully integrated with conventional breeding methods to enhance resistance. The development of multi-resistance rice varieties through transgene stacking systems has also shown promising results in conferring resistance to multiple pests and diseases. Additionally, the suppression of serotonin biosynthesis has been identified as a novel mechanism to enhance resistance against planthoppers and stem borers. The integration of conventional and molecular breeding techniques has significantly improved the development of insect-resistant rice varieties. These advancements have important implications for sustainable rice cultivation and effective pest management. The continuous identification and characterization of resistance genes, along with the application of advanced genomic tools, will further enhance the durability and effectiveness of insect-resistant rice varieties. Keywords Rice; Genetic resistance; Insect pests; Breeding strategies; Pest management Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, making its production critical for global food security. However, rice cultivation faces significant challenges from various insect pests, which can cause substantial yield losses and economic damage. Among these pests, the brown planthopper (BPH), white-backed planthopper (WBPH), and striped stem borer (SSB) are particularly notorious for their destructive impact on rice crops (Zhou et al., 2021). The continuous evolution of pest biotypes and their ability to overcome existing resistant rice varieties necessitate ongoing research and development of new resistant strains (Haliru et al., 2020). The global challenge posed by rice pests is immense, with outbreaks leading to severe reductions in rice yield and quality. Traditional pest control methods, such as chemical pesticides, are not only costly but also pose environmental and health risks. Therefore, developing rice varieties with inherent resistance to insect pests is considered the most sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest management (Li et al., 2020). Resistance breeding not only reduces the reliance on chemical controls but also contributes to long-term pest management strategies by incorporating durable resistance genes into rice cultivars (Dash, 2020). This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic mechanisms and breeding approaches used to develop rice varieties resistant to insect pests. Identify and characterize resistance genes is summarize the current understanding of the genetic basis of resistance to major rice pests, including the identification and functional analysis of resistance genes. Explore breeding strategies is discussing conventional and molecular breeding techniques used to incorporate resistance genes into rice varieties, including transgene stacking and
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